Healing Through Culture: How Festivals Support Mental Health and Human Connection

I recently read 'The Anxious Generation' by Jonathan Haidt, which explores the rise of anxiety, especially among young people. He argues that the decline of real-world social interactions and over-reliance on digital technology has left many feeling disconnected and overwhelmed.

While the problem is complex, one solution is surprisingly simple: real-world cultural experiences!

Literature and arts festivals don’t just celebrate creativity; they create spaces for healing, human connection and emotional well-being.

Having produced several cultural events, I’ve seen firsthand how they bring people together, encourage self-expression & even help combat mental health challenges. 

1. Rebuilding Human Connection

The energy of a festival—the conversations, the shared moments, the collective applause—reminds us that we are part of something bigger. Events like the Jaipur Literature Festival & Dehradun Literature Festival don’t just offer intellectual stimulation; they create a sense of belonging.

Volunteer program at JLF are more than logistical support—they're transformative experiences. Puneeta Roy and her team (bhanu mehta & Rijul Kataria) provide extensive training in communication, teamwork and crisis management, fostering both professional growth and social wellness. 

JLF Boulder, USA Volunteers

2. Music for Wellbeing

Music has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, and many festivals now integrate it as a key component of well-being. One powerful example is Rishab Rikhiram Sharma’s "Sitar for Mental Health" concerts, which use Indian classical music to create a meditative and therapeutic experience. 

Similarly, FindYourFit's The Wellness Carnival celebrates emotional and social wellbeing with its MindVibe Stage. It offers festival-goers a chance to immerse themselves in music and practices designed to enhance emotional wellness.

Rishab Rikhiram Sharma during his Sitar for Mental Health Concert

3. Breaking the Stigma

Many cultural events are now actively integrating discussions on mental well-being. At the Himalayan Echoes Festival, authors and musicians speak about the intersection of nature, creativity and mental health. Similarly, theatre performances at the Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) and the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (Mumbai) have tackled themes of anxiety, trauma and resilience—encouraging open dialogue around mental health.

4. Mindfulness Through Art

When was the last time you lost yourself in a creative activity, completely in the moment? These offer a space to do just that. From art therapy sessions at Serendipity Arts Foundation to interactive storytelling circles at the Bangalore Literature Festival, these experiences help us disconnect from digital stress.

Attending, performing or volunteering at cultural events boosts mental well-being, fosters connections and deepens appreciation for creativity.

When was the last time a literature or arts festival inspired you? Or have you ever volunteered at one? I'd love to hear your experiences!